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Parents and students urge Colonial SD to keep robust gifted program; superintendent says no change for 2025–26
Summary
Students, parents and alumni told the Colonial School District board they oppose proposed reductions to gifted instruction frequency. Superintendent Dr. Christian said there will be no change to the "grade gifted program" for 2025–26 and the district will follow up with concerned parents.
Several students, parents and community members addressed the Colonial School District board on June 9 about proposed changes to the district—s gifted programming.
Superintendent Dr. Christian said the district received a public comment from Emily Cole and that "There is no change to the grade gifted program heading into the 2025–26 year," and that the administration would follow up with the author of the submission.
Student speakers described the gifted program as academically and emotionally important. Zoe McCaffrey, a rising grade school student, said her gifted teacher, "Mister Murray," helped her engage more deeply with topics and develop executive-function skills; she warned that reducing gifted instruction could leave students unchallenged and labeled as inattentive. Other students said gifted classes delivered daily in past years provided meaningful challenge and that moving to once-a-week instruction would reduce the program—s effectiveness.
Parent and resident Amy Wine urged the board to treat gifted services as a learning need, not a privilege, and asked the district to ensure the frequency and duration of gifted instruction remain adequate. Multiple speakers asked the board to explain the rationale for any staffing or schedule changes and for clear communication to families.
The transcript shows community concern focused on two points: (1) whether the frequency or duration of gifted instruction would be reduced and (2) whether teachers currently assigned to gifted services would be spread across more grade levels, limiting continuity between students and teachers. The superintendent—s remark that there would be "no change" for 2025–26 addresses the first concern for the coming year; the transcript does not record a detailed explanation or vote regarding staffing assignments for future years.
The district said it will reach out to submitters who expressed concern to explain the status of programming and to provide clarification to families.
